Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to Seoul
Dive into this dynamic mash-up of night markets and K-Pop,
temples and majestic palaces, skyscrapers and pulsing neon.
Design Matters
Seoul is evolving from a hardened concrete-and-steel economic powerhouse into a softer-
edged 21st-century urban ideal of parks, culture and design. Following on from the disin-
terring and landscaping of the central Cheong-gye stream and upgrading of the Han River
parks comes the sprucing up of hiking trails on Namsan, a mountain escape in the city's
midst. The Unesco City of Design also offers several contemporary architectural marvels,
including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park and the giant glass wave of the new City
Hall.
Historical Fragments
Gaze down on this sprawling metropolis of 10.5 million people from atop any of Seoul's
four guardian mountains and you'll sense the powerful
pungsu-jiri
(feng shui) that has long
nurtured and protected the city. Having endured the catastrophe of the Korean War barely
60 years ago, the 'Miracle on the Han' has its eye clearly on the future, while history clings
tenaciously to many of its corners. You'll encounter fascinating fragments of the past in
World Heritage-listed sites such as Jongmyo shrine, as well as in the alleys winding
between the graceful
hanok
(traditional wooden homes) that cluster in Bukchon.
24-Hour City
Whatever you want, at any time of day or night, Seoul can provide. An early morning
temple visit can lead to a palace tour followed by teahouse sipping in Bukchon and gallery
hopping in Insa-dong.
Soju
(a vodka-like drink) and snacks in a street tent bar will fuel you
for shopping at the buzzing Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, partying in Hong-
dae or Itaewon, or playing online games at a PC
bang
or watching the latest Korean block-
